Systems, apparatuses and methods for the transmission and recovery of energy and power

ABSTRACT

Systems and apparatuses for delivering power and energy using deflecting beams or other oscillating members motivated to oscillate a beam assembly using an eccentrically balanced rotating body that induces deflections in the elastic beam or other oscillating member. One or more rotors may be used on the elastic beams and a mechanical output or outputs are connected to the elastic beams. The rotating body is advantageously maintained in rotation by pulses of electro-magnetic force. The oscillating beam or members are preferably driven at a natural resonant frequency to minimize losses and render more efficient the output which can be obtained. The pulse motor or motors can be powered using stored electrical energy, such as may be generated from solar panels, wind generators or other energy storage devices. One or more outputs may be used to drive heat pumps, compressors, pumps or other equipment to assist in independent energy systems.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATE APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of, and incorporates by reference in itsentirety, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/460,216.

BACKGROUND

The efficient utilization of energy has been a long-felt need and whilemany individuals have tried to develop means to more efficiently utilizeenergy and produce power therefrom, there still exists a need for energyand power transformation systems which can serve a multitude of purposesand do so efficiently. There is also a need for systems which can storeenergy and have low transmission and/or storage losses.

In attempting to solve the complex problems of efficient utilization andtransformation of energy, power and related systems, various solutionshave been tried. Recently, there has been a shift to the development ofmore sustainable and renewable resources for providing energy andconverting energy into power. Accordingly, there has been a great dealof time and money spent on solar, wind and other energy and powerproduction, generation, transmission, storage and other energy and powersystems.

Alternative forms of energy, such as solar and wind, seemingly havepotential for being useful forms of energy generation. However, therestill exist various impediments in effectively using these sources. Theyare still more costly than most systems generating power from fossilfuels, such as coal, oil, natural gas, and even oil and tar sands andshale. Additionally, the development of wind and solar power generationhave inherent problems, such as they do not produce a consistent output.Thus, the use of fossil fuels and nuclear power remain the primarysources for the consistent provision of power because they can remain inessentially constant operation and are not subject to whether the windmay be blowing or the sun is shining.

When energy is transformed, there is at least some and usuallysignificant diminishment of output in relation to the initial inputwhich is the result of the fact that a large amount of energy is lost asenergy is transformed or merely transmitted. Thus minimizing energy lossas it goes through the transformation processes pose many significantand complicated challenges.

Other longstanding problems which are associated with the generation,utilization, or other transformation or transmission of energy andpower, are costly and there is typically a long time frame needed toconduct research and development. Such research and development usuallyresults in very small efficiency gains at tremendous costs. Many of thedevelopments in this field have taken decades; in addition, they arecomplex to operate and distribute power, resulting in a whole new set ofchallenges. Thus, the already complicated problem of efficientlygenerating and utilizing energy becomes increasingly complex and costlyto develop.

Although there has been a focus on creating systems which generate powerand some which can store energy efficiently it has proved to be a greatchallenge to develop realistic and accessible solutions that at the sametime are effective and reliable. This is even more particularly aproblem in systems for homes and buildings as compared to large scaleenergy generation projects such as wind farms and large commercial solargeneration complexes which may consume hundreds or thousands of acres ofland. Even relatively constant output fossil or nuclear fuel powergeneration plants are often very large and expensive and are consideredby many as undesirable for various reasons and produce undesirablebyproducts.

Ironically, “clean” energy power production processes are now beingchallenged by some of the very same environmental groups that havedemanded the development of alternative energy sources and powergeneration. Increasing criticism is being made of the unsightliness oflarge centralized power systems, such as wind farms and large scalesolar powered electricity generation plants.

The long-felt need for new and efficient energy systems continues.Research and development continues, as it has for about a century, alonga multitude of different approaches in the valuable quest for efficientenergy transformation systems which have greater economy and powerproduction capability. Further complicating this is the fact that manyother considerations and constraints may apply to any given productionfacility or situation.

In addition to the above problems most current systems for thegeneration of electrical power involve generation at a large complex orindustrial site. Such concentration of power generation requiresrelatively large transmission systems to deliver power to homes,businesses, industrial sites and other users of power. This may causepower to be distributed and transmitted over long distances withassociated increased transmission and distribution losses. Although thecurrent technologies utilize such large scale transmission systems to bemore efficient, not only are they expensive, but also involve efficiencylosses in transmission and are costly to build and require large initialinvestments. They also require substantial maintenance and pose largecosts associated with getting the various permits and zoning changeswhich typically are needed.

Another problem with large scale power production which use concentratedgeneration facilities and large transmission and distribution systems isthat they are also more susceptible to terrorism attacks. A single powerplant may provide sufficient power to supply cities. Most electricalpower systems are interconnected in grids where power sources and loadscan be controlled to balance demand and supply in response to changes orin reaction to more major problems, such as shutdowns in certain powergeneration facilities or because of faults or disruption in transmissionand distribution systems. If attacks bring one or more generationfacility, transmission system or distribution centers to a stop, thenthis may be sufficient to affect large geographical or population areasand cause power and consequential economic shutdowns.

Such potential outages from terrorist attacks on large, concentratedsystems may affect the availability or operation of other vital systems,such as water distribution, sanitation systems, information systems(such as the internet), even fuel supply systems all of which may bebrought down at many attack points vulnerable to terrorism.

Current systems may provide power for large areas and added safety fromthe malfunction of a single plant during times of heavy demand. Aconcerted effort by fanatical terrorists at many nodes of the nationalor international power grid could potentially render a wide scaleshutdown of modern society because of its intense need for electricalpower and the function of computer networks and the internet in complexoptimization control systems which may require transfer of operationalinformation over large areas being served and many facilities beingcoordinated. Thus, it may be more desirable to have decentralized powergeneration to reduce the risk of shutting down society due to terroristattacks unless very costly measures are put into place.

Large scale power systems currently in place have in some instancesdemonstrated the susceptibility of electrical power grids to failure.For example, the Northeastern U.S. and some parts of Canada experienceda multi-state power grid failure where the primary instigation of thisfailure was caused by the electrical generation and transmission systembeing subjected to very heavy load requirements from hot weather and themalfunction of a single plant which then caused consequential shutdownsat other facilities. These types of failures are demonstrative of thesusceptibility of large scale centralized generation and distributionsystems. Such incidents have happened more than once without terrorismbeing a factor. With the added risks of terrorism then the risksincrease.

Thus, smaller, distributed power generation systems may reduce the riskto society of fanatics or others who want to disrupt the generation anddistribution of electrical power. This is in addition to the inherentrisks of merely controlling and operating complex power systems.

Most home power production systems are either fuel dependent, solar, orwind. The fuel capacity of small scale fuel systems is usually verysmall compared to what might be a long term outage. Solar systems forhome and individual buildings are very susceptible to sunshinevariations, due to regular natural processes such as day and night,cloud cover, seasonal fluctuations in incident solar radiation, or otherpossible vicissitudes of nature. Wind systems are equally or even moresusceptible due to the fact they require the wind to blow. Batterystorage may or may not be cost effective or cost prohibitive and may notprovide the capacity to meet consumer demands during periods powercannot be produced from the sun or wind. This is particularly true whenpower is needed during sustained periods of time. Thus, solar and windsystems are often susceptible to intermittent operation and productionof power. This may be soluble due to the rotation of the earth on adaily basis, but cloud formations and the absence of adequate wind arenatural phenomena which can last for relatively long periods of days orweeks and thus severe damage to frozen food supplies, supplies of waterand other facilities become very troublesome.

Some or all of the problems explained above and other problems may behelped or solved by one or more embodiments of the inventions shown anddescribed herein. Such inventions may also be used to address otherproblems not set out above or which are only understood or appreciatedat a later time. The future may also bring to light currently unknown orunrecognized benefits which may be appreciated or more fully appreciatedin association with the inventions shown and described herein.

It should be recognized that the needs and expected benefits explainedhereinabove are not admissions that others may have recognized suchproblems prior to the inventions described herein and thus are notadmitted as prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred forms, configurations, embodiments and/or diagrams relating toand helping to describe preferred aspects and versions of the inventionsare explained and characterized herein, often with reference to theaccompanying drawings. The drawings and all features shown therein alsoserve as part of the disclosure of the inventions of the currentdocument, whether described in text or merely by graphical disclosurealone. Such drawings are briefly described below.

FIG. 1 is a front view of one preferred embodiment according to theinventions hereof.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the rotating body mounted to the deflectingmember forming part of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the at least one rotating body shown inisolation.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a second embodiment similar to the firstembodiment in which the pivot connection to the beam support is shownusing a modified construction having springs.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged detailed view of the pivot connection used in theembodiment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing relevant parts of an alternative thirdembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a partial side view of a forth alternative embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a partial side view of a fifth alternative embodiment systemaccording to the inventions hereof showing beam assemblies extending inboth directions from the beam support and having two rotating bodies.

FIG. 9 is a partial side view of a sixth alternative embodiment similarin many respects to the fifth embodiment and having plural outputs.

FIG. 10 is an alternative seventh embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a top diagrammatic view showing portions of the system ofFIG. 10.

FIG. 12 shows an apparatus similar to that shown in FIG. 9 withadditional control and energy storage features and capabilities.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are electrical schematic diagrams of exemplarycomponents for use in the electrical systems such as the systemindicated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an electrical schematic diagram of exemplary components foruse in the electrical system such as the system indicated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is an electrical schematic diagram of exemplary components foruse in the electrical system such as the system indicated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 is an electrical schematic diagram of exemplary components foruse in the electrical system such as the system indicated in FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The readers of this document should understand that the embodimentsdescribed herein may rely on terminology used in any section of thisdocument and other terms readily apparent from the drawings and thelanguage common therefor as may be known in a particular art and such asknown or indicated and provided by dictionaries. Dictionaries were usedin the preparation of this document. Widely known and used in thepreparation hereof are Webster's Third New International Dictionary (©)1993), The Oxford English Dictionary (Second Edition, © 1989), and TheNew Century Dictionary (©) 2001-2005), all of which are herebyincorporated by reference for interpretation of terms used herein andfor application and use of words defined in such references to moreadequately or aptly describe various features, aspects and conceptsshown or otherwise described herein using more appropriate words havingmeanings applicable to such features, aspects and concepts.

This document is premised upon using one or more terms with oneembodiment that may also apply to other embodiments for similarstructures, functions, features and aspects of the inventions. Wordingused in the claims is also descriptive of the inventions, and the textand meaning of the claims and abstract are hereby incorporated byreference into the description in their entirety as originally filed.Terminology used with one, some or all embodiments may be used fordescribing and defining the technology and exclusive rights associatedherewith.

The readers of this document should further understand that theembodiments described herein may rely on terminology and features usedin any suitable section or other embodiments shown in this document andother terms readily apparent from the drawings and language common orproper therefor. This document is premised upon using one or more termsor features shown in one embodiment that may also apply to or becombined with other embodiments for similar structures, functions,features and aspects of the inventions and provide additionalembodiments of the inventions.

Overview of Some Preferred Apparatuses

The inventions may include deflecting members, such as elasticallydeformable beams or other structures having a rotating or otheroscillatory body or bodies. In some preferred embodiments this is aneccentrically weighted rotating body or bodies mounted upon thedeflecting members for inducing oscillation of the deflecting members.In some preferred embodiments the oscillations are induced at thenatural resonance of the deflecting members.

In some preferred embodiments the rotating body or bodies may have atleast one magnet which is mounted on them. In addition, there is anelectromagnetic pulse motor or other driver for sustaining movement ofthe oscillating. In some embodiments, an electromagnetic pulse motor isincluded which interacts by magnetic field and without contact with therotor or rotor magnets. The pulsed magnetic drive provides intermittentpulses at a desired and preferably controlled time. As the driver magnetor magnets are pulsed with controlled magnetic fields the resultingtorque applied to the rotor maintains rotation or other oscillation ofthe rotors.

The amount of startup energy may be reduced by having the eccentricallyweighted or other rotating body or bodies begin to rotate under theforce of gravity and then maintain rotation with small consumption ofelectricity that is used to provide pulsed magnetic fields or othernon-contacting torque inducers to maintain rotation or other oscillationinducing drivers.

The rotation of eccentrically weighted body or bodies causes thesupporting members or beams to deflect and create an oscillating actionand force. The oscillating action can be from a spinning weight or othersuitable apparatuses.

The mechanical output may be used to power one or more fluid workingdevices, such as a pump or compressor for pumping or compressing fluids,electromagnetic generators which generate current which may be stored inbatteries, capacitors or other suitable apparatuses, or other means tostore energy, now known or hereafter developed.

The produced mechanical, electrical or other form of power can be usedto power the pump or compressor for real time use, or be used to storeenergy in various forms for use at a later time to maintain a consistentor adequate power to be supplied. Water can be pumped in elevation toprovide stored potential energy. Gases can be compressed to also storeenergy in the form of pressured gas.

In some systems, a battery may be used as an energy storage device ordevices for driving the oscillating mechanical force. The battery orother energy storage device may be powered by solar or wind electricitygenerators or other alternative input of power which can be stored andthen used as a power source to generate electrical power used tomaintain the oscillating system in motion.

The description of specific apparatuses, systems and subsystems andmethods included herein illustrate various embodiments according to thisinvention.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic view of important parts of a first preferredsystem 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the inventions shownor described herein. The main parts of system 100 advantageously includea main support 110 which is used to support a beam assembly 120. Thebeam assembly moves, such as in an oscillatory action, when inoperation.

The beam assembly 120 oscillates in response to an oscillation inducingsystem 130. Oscillation inducing system 130 advantageously uses arotating weight which is unbalanced relative to the center of rotation.The oscillation driver 140 may be powered by a battery 150 or othersuitable source of power. As shown, the battery or batteries can becharged by a solar array 160 powered by the sun 170. The solar array canbe made according to suitable technologies now known or hereafterdeveloped. Other sources of energy or direct power are also possible insome forms of the invention.

As shown, solar array 160 is electrically connected to supply electricalpower to a controller 180 which distributes electricity as furtherexplained below. Controller 180 is advantageously designed to controldistribution of power to the battery. It may also be configured to havea second section 185 used to control delivery of electrical power to theoscillation driver 140 as will be more fully described below.

The system of FIG. 1 also has an output 190. Output 190 isadvantageously mechanically coupled to the beam assembly 120 for pivotalmovement and functions by deriving power from the displacement of beamassembly 120. Output 190 may be used to drive different types of powerconsuming units (not illustrated in FIG. 1).

—Beam Support

The beam support 110 is the primary support for the various parts of thesystem 100 and in particular is designed to support the beams 120 orother deflecting members and other portions of system 100.

Support 110 as shown is a column which may be suitably connected tomounting framework (not shown). The mounting framework may include afoundation or other supporting structure (not shown) used to support thelower or first end of the beam support 110. The opposing second end orupper portions of beam support or supports 110 are advantageouslyconnected to a building which acts as a suitable superstructure. Forexample, the upper end may be supported by an elevated portion of themounting framework, such as a ceiling joist of a building (not shown) ora brace or mainstay (also not shown).

The framework is preferably made so as to mount the beam support 110 ina relatively rigid condition as compared to the deflecting membersdescribed in greater detail below. However, it may alternatively besuitable to have other frameworks which are hereafter determined orfound suitable for the functions described herein.

Mounted upon the beam support 110 are the deflecting members 120.Connections between the beam support and the beam assemblies or otherdeflecting members can be of various constructions. As shown in FIG. 1,the beam assembly connection is pivotal as described further below.Other alternatives some of which are described below may also be foundsuitable or preferred depending on the particulars of a giveninstallation or further experimentation made hereafter.

The beam support 110 can be made of a variety of suitably strong andpreferably substantially rigid materials, such as concrete, steel, wood,fiberglass or various other materials suitable for the installationinvolved.

—Beam Assembly or Assemblies

FIG. 1 shows one preferred version of the beam assembly 120 which formsa deflecting member. In this version the deflecting member or assemblyis mounted in a cantilevered configuration upon support 110. Theconfiguration also uses the oscillator connection in a position which isdistal to the output 180 and thus forms a second degree leverarrangement. A top view of the apparatus is shown in FIG. 2 whichdepicts the deflecting members and the mounted rotating body and onepossible way in which the apparatus may be constructed.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1 the beam assembly is preferably a supportadvantageously in the form of a pair of beams in a parallel orsubstantially parallel relationship extending from the support inparallel or other suitable configuration depending on the geometry ofthe support and applied loads.

In a single cantilever arrangement as shown in FIG. 1, and otherconfigurations shown below it may alternatively be possible to havedeflecting beams which may converge or be oriented relative to oneanother in non-parallel or specially shaped configurations to providedynamic response capabilities which may be found advantageous in certainforms of the inventions according hereto. As shown, the beams 121 arearranged along opposing sides of support 110. They may be joined bycross members arranged and connected to tie the parallel beams 121 in aconfiguration which can be visualized as a ladder-shaped assembly. Thisis indicated by the cross members 122, 123 and 124.

—Connection of Beam Members to Support

In FIG. 1 the two deflecting beam members 121 are shown to haveconnections to support 110 which are pivotal. The pivotal connectionsare advantageously provided on both front and rear sides of columnarsupport 110.

As illustrated, the connections 112 have a bearing support piece orblock 114 fixed to the beam. A pivot shaft 115 is provided which may beprovided at each side or be mounted through the support column 110.Bearings 116, such as ball or roller bearings are provided to allow freeangular displacement upon each side of the support to the beams formingparts of beam assembly 120.

As further indicated herein other beam assembly connections may also beused. They can also be connected in any other suitable alternative wayto the support at one or more couplings 112.

—Rotating Body

FIG. 1 also shows that system 100 includes at least one rotating body131. Rotating body 131 is shown in greater detail and in isolation inFIG. 3. The rotating body 131 has a head portion 133. Head portion 133is connected to a pivot journal part 135 using an arm or swing arm 132.The journal part is advantageously provided with a shaft aperture 136.The journal part may be adapted to either mount a suitable bearing or ashaft extending through shaft aperture 136 may be mounted for rotationusing a suitable bearing or set of bearings (not specifically shown)mounted in the rotating body mounting blocks 124.

Rotating body 131 has an angularly varying non-uniform moment ofinertia. This may be more simply termed as being imbalanced relative tothe axis of rotation. This imbalance in the rotating body 131 causes therotating body to accelerate under the force of gravity between the topdead center position shown in FIG. 1 and to decelerate from the deadbottom position of 180 degrees as it moves to the top dead centerposition. Thus the angular velocity of the rotating body will typicallyvary and in particular the angular movement of rotating body 131 variesin angular speed and/or otherwise.

The mechanical force applied by the rotating body upon the supportingbeam assembly 120 also may vary. At the top dead center position thevertical force carried by the beam assembly is the weight of therotating body less the centrifugal force applied in an upward directionwhen the weight is at the top dead center position in rotation. Althoughthe dynamics of the precise force applied is more complex due to anyCoriolis acceleration or other dynamics caused by the deflection of thebeam assembly in response to this oscillatory force which is relativelysmaller when the rotating body is at top dead center as compared to whenthe rotating body is a bottom dead center.

The resulting effect of this varying force is that the beam assemblyoscillates in substantially vertical displacement as a result mostly ofelastic deformation. This oscillatory movement is best timed to be at afrequency which is tuned to the natural frequency at which the beamassembly resonates. This can be affected by many different parametersincluding weight, weight displacement, weight distribution, structuralparameters of the beam assembly, the mounting system used to support thebeam assembly, the load and other factors which are known or hereafterrecognized to provide resonant oscillation with the natural frequency toachieve more elastic storage of energy and greater efficiency.

The deflection of the distal portions of the beam assembly producedeflection at the preferred location of the output 190 which may varydepending on magnitude of the driving forces which in the constructionof FIG. 1 are oscillation forces. These oscillation forces andassociated displacement are configured to apply output force on theoutput 190. Depending on the magnitude or resistance of the output thebending moments produced in the beam assembly will vary and may be ofeither positive or negative sense at the reaction point of the outputconnection and other positions along the beam assembly.

The specific shape and construction of suitable rotating bodies whichcan be used in constructions according to the inventions hereof may varyconsiderably while being operable.

—Magnet or Magnets

FIG. 3 shows that the rotating body preferably has at least one magnetor more preferably multiple magnets 137, 138 and 139. In the preferredconstruction shown the magnets are permanent magnets and do not requireany transmission of electrical current thereto. Alternatively,electromagnets may be used and a suitable sliding electrical connectionmay be possible but is not preferred in the embodiment of FIG. 1 andmost others described herein.

As indicated above the rotating body 131 is preferably driven by adriver which keeps the rotating body in orbit despite mechanical lossesand the resistance provided by the rotational mounting and the outputresistance.

As shown, the driver is in the form of an electromagnetic pulse motorhaving electromagnets 141, 142 and 143. Electromagnets 141-143 arepulsed with electrical current in a suitable pattern found mostadvantageous to the particular dynamics of the system for which they arebeing used and economy of energy.

The pulse motor driver 140 is controlled by controller 185 whichadvantageously senses the angular position of the rotating body usingone or more detectors 186. At the desired times the controller 185releases electrical charge pulses which generate magnetic fields usingwindings 145 about electromagnet cores 146 which intermittently pulsesthe magnet or magnets 137-139 on rotor 131. The pulsing, intermittentaction of the electromagnetic pulse motor eliminates the need forcontinuous energy expenditure and thus can be tuned to the minimumamount needed to maintain rotation. The electromagnetic pulses are timedto optimally occur in conjunction with the magnet or magnets on therotating body to provide torque thereto.

This may be optimal by having each electromagnet pulse for each magneton the rotating body to simultaneously fire. Another mode of operationmay have the electromagnets of the drive fire sequential. Still anothermode is to have the appropriate electromagnets fire sequentially and ineach instance of where any rotor magnet is in position to have torqueapplied thereto. A further alternative is to have an optimizationprogram which applies appropriate magnetic pulses as needed and are notcontinuous to potentially provide reduced maintenance. What will beoptimal may vary from construction to construction and may benefit byusing some of these techniques during a part of the cycle, such as atstartup, during sustained periods, or upon shut down. Shut down may alsoprovide an opportunity to back-feed electrical charge through thecontroller to the battery for storage.

FIG. 1 also shows a battery 150 which acts as a store of energy, in theform of electro-chemical energy for controlled use by the pulse motorusing controller 185 and electrical control 180 which controls the drawfrom the battery and charging thereof using a power source, such aselectrical power source 160. As shown, the electrical power source maybe photo-voltaic or other solar cells, or alternative sources of energy,such as from electrical mains, generators, wind electricity generators,or other suitable energy source which supplies usable power. The storedelectrical energy of battery 150 for example can then be used to powerthe pulse apparatus or other device driving the rotating body.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment is depicted in FIG. 4 with FIG. 5 showing in greaterdetail added features. The second embodiment has features which arenumbered as in the first embodiment except the features of the secondembodiment are in the 200 numeral range instead of in the 100 numericalrange. Otherwise the construction is adequately described by the aboveexcept the following differences.

—Beam Assembly Springs

FIGS. 4 and 5 show another preferred alternative system 200. The system200 indicates possible advantage to provide elastic energy storage inthe form of one or more springs. As shown the springs are arranged withan upper spring 217 and a lower spring 218. As configured springs 217and 218 are connected between the beam assembly 220 and the support 210.Alternative connection configurations are possible.

Springs 217 and 218 may serve in either tension or compression whicheverbest serves operation of the oscillatory movement of the beam assembly220.

Such springs may alternatively be formed using other known springconfigurations, such as air or other gas springs, wound springs, andmany other possible types now known or hereafter developed and foundsuitable to facilitate operation or efficiency of system 200.

System 200 also differs in that the power source 260 may be of varioustypes of electrical power storage, such as provided by battery 250, orusing other electrical energy storage subsystems, for instancecapacitive or other suitable devices.

An additional aspect of system 200 as shown is that it advantageouslyincludes two position sensors 286 for providing added information forthe control subsystem or subsystems being used.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment is depicted in FIG. 6. The third embodiment hasfeatures which are numbered as in the first embodiment except thefeatures of the third embodiment are in the 300 numerical range insteadof in the 100 numerical range. Otherwise the construction is adequatelydescribed by the above except the following differences.

—Dual Outputs

The system 300 is like system 100 except it has two outputs 390 whichwill have expected different displacements. Thus the outputs can be usedto drive appropriate pieces or equipment or pieces of equipment bestutilizing this configuration. One example may be a pump or compressorhaving two stages built to use either in parallel or more likely insequence to achieve two-stage pressure increases. This may be utilizedin a heat pump, air compressor, liquid pump, compressed gas motor orother applications using such outputs.

Fourth Embodiment

A fourth embodiment system is diagrammatically depicted in FIG. 7. Thefourth embodiment has features which are numbered as in the firstembodiment except the features of the fourth embodiment are in the 400numerical range instead of in the 100 numerical range. Otherwise theconstruction is adequately described by the above except the followingdifferences.

—Combined Support and Outputs

FIG. 7 shows that system 400 uses two outputs 490 as the outputs andsupports from the deflecting beam assembly 420. This configuration maybe possible in some instances and be suitable or more suitable thanother configurations taught herein.

FIG. 7 shows a simply supported beam configuration wherein theoscillatory forces are distributed between the output/supports. Asshown, this is advantageously done with the oscillatory force centeredtherebetween.

Fifth Embodiment

A fifth embodiment system according to certain aspects of the inventionshereof is depicted in FIG. 8. The fifth embodiment has features whichare numbered as in the first embodiment except the features of the fifthembodiment are in the 500 numerical range instead of in the 100numerical range. Otherwise the construction is adequately described bythe above except the following differences.

—Support and Beam Connection

FIG. 8 shows a dual cantilevered beam construction 520. The beamassemblies may be considered in parts 521 and 522. As shown the beamsare advantageously arched or otherwise shaped in a curvilinear manner toreduce overall system height and to take advantage of any synergisticeffects associated with having the beam assembly supported at thedesired central position. Such construction advantageously has tworotating bodies 530.

—Deflecting Members

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment in which the deflecting members have agenerally bow-shaped construction which may be easier to tune to adesired natural resonance frequency. The deflecting members may haveother possible shapes and constructions as well. Each separateconstruction may be adapted to make the apparatus more efficientdepending on the specific construction of the accompanying parts.

—Connection of Deflecting Members

In FIG. 8 the deflecting members 521 and 522 are advantageously mountedupon the sides of the support 520. The positioning of the right and leftportions 521 and 522 of the deflecting members may be adjusted by anadjustment such as in the form of a tuning piece. A tuning piece isadvantageously in the form such as a movable bolt or other part whichengages the central part of the beam assemblies using a mount 512. Thebolt can be engaged in varying degrees and at an adjustable position tobalance the resonant frequencies of the two different sides and tootherwise affect oscillatory action or dynamic response of the beamassemblies. This may facilitate adjustment of the natural frequenciesand thus allow the two beam subassemblies to achieve matching resonance.Such coordinated natural resonance may provide elastic dynamic responsecharacteristics for the deflecting members which is advantageous in somemanner either operationally or from an efficiency standpoint.

As shown in FIG. 8, the connection includes a connection or mountingpiece 512 which is screwed or otherwise mounted to the support. Thedampening of the connection can be varied by the coordination ordis-coordination of the mounting cap and the shape of the adjacent beamassembly part received therein. Such may also be affected by usingsprings as indicated above or by using an enclosed elastic ferrule toachieve the desired resonant frequencies and cooperating degree ofdampening, if any dampening is found desirable for some benefit.

The deflecting members can also be connected in any other alternativeway such as described above and other suitable alternatives now known ordiscovered of developed hereafter.

—Rotating Bodies

As depicted in FIG. 8, there may be more than one matching eccentricallyloaded rotating body or rotor 530. In the case that there are more thanone, the eccentrically loaded rotating bodies may be advantageouslybuilt substantially similar in structure. Each additional rotating bodyis mounted on deflecting members 520. These may or may not beequidistant from the connection with the support depending on the loadsapplied by outputs 591 and 592.

Each rotating body 531 and 532 may have its own separate pulse motorwhich may or may not run from the same input and operate as the samefrequency and develop the same forces. Operation out of phase may befound superior in some cases, or other operational regimes may be foundmost preferred for different applications and installations havingdifferent loads. As shown, the outputs 591 and 592 drive compressors 593and 594.

Sixth Embodiment

A sixth embodiment system 600 is depicted in FIG. 9. The sixthembodiment has features which are numbered as in the first embodimentexcept the features of the sixth embodiment are in the 600 numericalrange instead of in the 100 numerical range. Otherwise the constructionis adequately described by the above embodiments except the followingdifferences.

—Drive Assemblies

System 600 advantageously uses a cantilevered construction similar tothat depicted in FIG. 8. However system 600 has dual drivers associatedwith each rotating body. The upper drivers 641 and lower drivers 642have control systems and position sensors (not shown) analogous to thoseshown for system 100 but adjusted or added to in order to provide pulseddriving of the rotating body 630 at more than one position about theangular displacement range of the rotating body.

The system configuration may be preferred in certain installations. Onepossible advantage may be that the system 600 can be started after theimbalanced rotors are de-energized and left to swing into a downwardposition. Automatic restart would be facilitated by the lower drives 642which may apply torque in as many passages as needed to achieve fullrotation. This may involve pendulum action until the rotors haveachieved positions where the upper drivers can apply torque and usingcontrollers and position sensors to determine the direction of rotationimplemented by the control system.

During operation the rotors may operate in phase, out of phase or inanother relationship which facilitates the use of the outputs to drivepumps, compressors or other inner equipment 691 and outer equipment 692connected to the oscillating beam assemblies 620 which have first sides621 and second sides 622.

It is also possible that only upper drivers 641 may be needed onceoperation has reached the desired angular velocity to potentially reducethe amount of energy consumed in maintaining operation.

—Dual Outputs Along Each Side

Another possible advantage of system 600 is that torque may be appliedto the rotors 630 at both the top and bottom or other suitable positionsto help drive the added load of dual outputs 690 which are connected tothe beam assemblies extending in each direction from the support 610.The upper and lower drives may also be used to adjust the angularvelocity in a more controlled manner than provided merely bygravitational force converted into angular momentum under the firstembodiment and others which may be constructed by the systems andapparatuses according to the inventions hereof.

Seventh Embodiment

A seventh embodiment system 700 is depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11. Theseventh embodiment has features which are numbered as in the firstembodiment except the features of the seventh embodiment are in the 700numerical range instead of in the 100 numerical range. Otherwise theconstruction is adequately described by the above descriptions exceptthe following differences.

—Support, Beams and Beam Couplings

Support 710 is constructed differently and has two uprights 711 and 712which support a horizontal support member 713 to which the beamassemblies are mounted upon an upper surface thereof.

The horizontal support member 713 has three beam mounting couplings 718which are used to connect three parallel beams 721, 722 and 723 intobeam assemblies 720 extending in each direction to form two beamassemblies 726 and 727 which are at the first or left side and thesecond or right side as pictured in FIGS. 10 and 11. The two beamassembly parts 726 and 727 extend from the centrally located supportmember 710.

In the configuration shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 the distal ends of thebeams are connected by transverse beam end pieces 724 and 725. Thus thebeam assemblies 726 and 727 preferably operate in unison. However, theopposing beam assemblies may be in phase, out of phase or in a morecomplex deflection relationship if found desirable.

—Rotating Bodies

FIGS. 10 and 11 show dual rotors 731 and 732 at the first side mountedupon the first beam assembly 726 and dual rotors 733 and 734 at thesecond side mounted upon the second beam assembly 727. As shown therotors are formed as wheels.

Each rotor may have one or more diametric members 731 which allow themto be supported upon first and second shafts 728 and 729 at the firstand second beam ends 726 and 727. Due to the connected nature of thebeam assembly ends using the end pieces 724 and 725, the rotors turn inunison at each end.

The rotors can be provided with opposing mounting sections 735 and 736which are preferably used to provide added strength where thediametrical spoke or arms 731 connect thereto. The weight of themounting sections is preferably different so that the imbalance causesthe oscillatory forces to be developed to deflect the beam assemblies attheir natural frequencies.

Due to the inclusion of the opposed mounting sections 735 and 736 theweights of each may be adjustable to achieve varying frequencies whichin some cases may make it easier to tune the system to provide uniformdeflection even though the rotors and beams are ganged together.Depending on the angular velocity and weight imbalance it may bepossible to achieve lower or higher frequencies by adjusting theimbalance.

—Power Source

In this embodiment the upper and lower drivers associated with eachrotor may be electromagnetic as shown above or use another form ofapplying torque without contact. For example air jets 749 could be usedif the outputs 790 are connected to compressors 791 and a tank (notillustrated) to store energy in the form of compressed air whichmaintains energy capacity without losses better than batteries in manyinstances, particularly over long periods of inactivity.

Alternatively, the drivers may be a combination of electromagnetic andair pulsations if quicker startup is desired and storage of energy isdesired in more than one type of energy storage form. This arrangementmay allow air jetting at startup coupled with operation of upper andlower electromagnetic drives during further speed increase and thenreturn to simply electromagnetic drive by the top drivers as in otherembodiments described above.

Power and Energy Recovery

FIG. 12 shows a system 800 similar to system 600 of FIG. 9. Thereference numbers used in FIG. 12 are similar to those in FIG. 9 withthe exception that the leading digit is changed from “6” to “8”. Othermore specific reference numbers may be used below.

System 800 includes an optional secondary power recovery subsystem and asecondary energy storage subsystem which may advantageously be used insome preferred embodiments according to the invention. In a preferredversion illustrated in FIGS. 12-16, the secondary energy storage isembodied as a suitable secondary energy storage device 880 such asrecovery cells, which may include battery cells. Other electrical energystorage devices such as capacitors may be used to store energy. Stillfurther, the secondary energy storage may further include additionalstorage means for storing energy which might be employed in some systemsif desired or justified. Secondary power recovery subsystem may includeany combination of the recovery controller 898, supply controller 899,and circuitry 901 to direct power to primary supply cells 850 and/orsecondary energy storage devices 880. More particularly, the recoverycontroller 898 and the supply controller 899 may be coupled togetherand/or to primary energy storage devices 850 and/or to secondary energystorage devices 880 to couple any given number of energy storage cellsin series and/or in parallel with the recovery controller 898 or thesupply controller 899 so that any of the energy storage devices mayoperate as supply or recovery cells. The power directed by the secondarypower recovery subsystem may be generated when the permanent magnets ofthe rotor 830 pass by electromagnets or the power may be drawn fromelectromagnets during a powering down cycle as will be described infurther detail below.

—Secondary Energy Storage

The secondary energy storage portion is powered by a preferred secondarypower recovery subsystem 900, shown in greater detail in FIG. 13A. Thepreferred secondary power recovery subsystem as shown uses part of, orall of, the energy stored in an induced electrical field in the inductorof one or more of the electromagnets, which otherwise would bedissipated and lost. Instead, this stored energy in the induction coilsof the electromagnet is utilized to energize the secondary energystorage device or devices 880. Additionally or alternatively, the energymay be electronically directed to electromagnets 889 and/orelectromagnets 845 to reduce the source input voltage necessary to movethe rotor 830 and operate the pump/motors 890. While, for the sake ofsimplicity, electromagnets 845 are not illustrated in FIG. 12 as coupledto the secondary power recovery subsystem, one skilled in the art wouldrecognize that these elements may be coupled together using conventionaltechniques.

As shown, the secondary energy storage devices may include recoverycells such as batteries, which may be of any suitable type. For example,battery types such as nickel cadmium, lithium ion, lead acid, solidstate, and so forth may be used. Additionally or alternatively,capacitive storage devices may be used, such as ultra capacitors, supercapacitors or other capacitive storage devices. These energy storagedevices are also generally referred to herein as recovery cells 880and/or recovery cells 916 and such numerals may be used interchangeably.Other suitable storage devices may also be incorporated as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art.

—Primary Power Supply for Torque

FIG. 12 shows a system in which, according to one embodiment, the upperor primary electromagnets 845 may be the primary or sole torque-inducingcomponent of the system 800 for rotating the rotor assemblies 830.Alternatively, any electromagnets may be placed in the stator orbit andenergized to develop torque upon the rotor at controlled times such asmay be advantageous particularly during startup. Additionalelectromagnets 889 may be mounted in the stator orbit at any location as“pick-up coils” to take advantage of the changing magnetic fieldsproduced by the forces inherent in the motion of the eccentricmagnetically loaded rotor 830 past the electromagnet 889 (orelectromagnet 845). Thus, any of the electromagnets (e.g. 845 or 889)may be configured in a driving mode, for driving a rotor assembly 830,or a pick-up mode, for utilizing the changing magnetic fields producedby the forces inherent in the motion of the eccentric magneticallyloaded rotor 830. Moreover, any of the electromagnets may be convertedto switch between the driving mode and the pick-up mode.

According to one implementation, the lower positioned electromagnets 889may be used in a convertible fashion, switching between a first mode anda second mode. In the first mode, the electromagnets 889 are used forpower recovery, converting the magnetic field created between thepermanent magnets passing by the electromagnets 889 to generate anelectric signal. In the second mode, the electromagnets 889 assist inactively affecting the motion of the rotor. In this second mode, theelectromagnets 889 may be activated to assist in moving the rotor 830during startup or to add additional torque to the rotor using an appliedelectromagnetic field/force once the rotor 830 is in motion. It is notedthat while electromagnets 889 are shown on a lower portion of the system800, they may be placed anywhere around the orbit of rotors 830 asdesired or required for a given application.

According to one preferred arrangement, the eccentric permanent magnetrotor 830 is balanced for maximum efficiency to transform the momentum,centrifugal force, electromagnetic force, and other forces that occurduring rotation to keep the rotor in motion at any desired speed for adesired pump output from pumps 891 or 892. The electromagnets mayconvertibly take advantage of the changing magnetic field as previouslydescribed. The optimum weight distribution of the rotor is tuned formaximum efficiency depending on the desired pump output characteristics,while the supply controller 899 is configured to direct power to one ormore electromagnets to maximize storage efficiency and minimize energyconsumption of the system.

—Control of Recovery Power

The recovery or secondary power system controller 898 is used to helpcontrol operation of the recovery power, and storage within, therecovery energy storage devices 880. Additionally or alternatively, thesecondary power system controller 898 may enable energy from the storagedevices 880 to be used by the supply controller 899 or by the system 800generally. Thus, the secondary power system controller 898 may beconfigured to direct voltage or current to, or from, the energy storagedevices 880 to the primary or supply controller 899 to utilize therecovered electrical energy directly. In general, if the potentialdeveloped in the energy storage cells 880, for any cell or combinationof cells in series or parallel, becomes greater than the potential(e.g., voltage) in the primary supply cells 850 then the voltage orcurrent can be directed for immediate use in the system 800 or to sourcestorage cells 850 for later use in the system 800. This isadvantageously controlled so that a potential difference in supply cells850 and recovery cells 880 is maintained to keep the rotor 830 in motionto optimize efficiency over varying output load demands. This potentialdifference from the main supply to the recovery supply typically occurswhen elevated voltages exist in the secondary storage devices 880 (i.e.recovery supply) versus the primary storage or source input (i.e. mainsupply). Maintaining the voltages at a balance assists in making thesystem run smoothly and efficiently.

Once the rotor 830 is in motion, the rotor position is detected byproximity sensors which, as shown in FIG. 12, may be in the form of Hallsensors 886. Information may be provided to the recovery controller 898via a conventional circuit (not illustrated for the sake of simplicityand clarity in the figures) to optimize the sensing and triggering ofthe electromagnets 845 and/or 889. Any emf generated by the system 800may be transferred as current through electromagnets 889. The current isthen communicated to circuitry 901, via wiring 842, to the recoverycontroller 898 and, ultimately, the energy storage devices 880.

Sensors 886, such as Hall sensors, are shown in the lower portion ofsystem 800, however, it is understood that the sensors may be placed inany suitable location that allows the position of the rotor 830 to bedetermined. Furthermore, a magnet may be provided 180° from the anyportion of the rotor 830, such as by an arm that extends in an oppositedirection from the rotor arm in the example shown in FIG. 12 to bedetected by the sensor 886. In such an instance, if the sensor 886 isimplemented as a Hall sensor, it may detect the presence of the magnet.This information may indicate that the position of the rotor as 180°away from the Hall sensor 886 in the rotational cycle. Sensing theposition may trigger the supply controller 899 to provide a pulse ofcurrent to one or more of electromagnets 845, 888, and/or 889. Oneskilled in the art will appreciate that the sensor 886 may be configuredin any known manner, such as an optical sensor, electrical sensor, orany other conventional sensor located at any suitable point of the rotor830 or elsewhere in the system 800 for determining where the permanentmagnets of the rotor 830 are located relative to electromagnets 845,888, and/or 889 within the rotational path.

FIG. 13A diagrammatically shows features of the secondary energy storagesubsystem and the secondary power recovery subsystem referred to withregard to FIG. 12. As set forth previously, the circuitry 901 may becoupled to the electromagnets 845, electromagnets 889, or both. Theupper electromagnets 845 may be additionally or alternatively connectedas described herein above for other versions and, as such, need not berepeated to understand the implementations shown in FIGS. 12-14.

In FIG. 13A, the primary cells 850 (originally shown in FIG. 12), whichprovide electrical energy through primary or supply controller 899(originally shown in FIG. 12), may be collectively referred to as powersource 902. The power source 902 drives current through electromagnets,shown schematically as inductor coil 904. When the circuit is in a firstmode, the current passes to ground 906, which may be common to ground908, as illustrated by dotted line 909. The current may pass acrosstransistor 912 due to a signal being sent from the sensor 886 to thebase or control terminal of the transistor 912 to “close” (or turn “on”)the transistors, i.e. allow conduction from the emitters to thecollectors and thus act as a path to ground to help dissipate excessinduced current and pass it to ground 906. When the sensors 886 (e.g.Hall sensors) detect that the rotor 830 is in a position such that oneor more of the permanent magnets on the rotor are moving away from oneor more of the electromagnets 845, a signal sent from the sensor 886 tothe base or control terminal of the transistor 912 is altered to “open”(or turn “off”) the transistors, i.e. prevent conduction from theemitters to the collectors and thus direct current through diode 914.The remaining recovery current is directed from coils of theelectromagnets 904 through a diode 914 to power recovery cells 916,which may correspond to the energy storage devices 880 shown in FIG. 12.

The recovery current from the electromagnet 904 may be directed via therecovery controller 898, shown in FIG. 12, but not shown in FIG. 13A forthe sake of convenience. The recovery controller 898 may additionally oralternatively control the output path from the recovery cells 916 (whererecovery cells 916 may include supply cells 850 and/or recovery cells880) to direct power to other portions of system 800. For example, therecovery cells 916 may provide supplemental or replacement voltage tothe electromagnets 904. Additionally or alternatively, the recoverycells 916 may power opto-isolators or other desired component.

Since the supply voltage used to drive the electromagnet 904 isrelatively high, the sensor 886 preferably includes one or moreopto-isolators (not shown) between the sensor(s) 886 and the transistor912. The opto-isolators may isolate high voltage and low voltageelectronics. As mentioned above, the sensor(s) 886 may be powered by therecovery cells 916, though the electrical path between these componentsis not shown for the sake of simplicity.

Other configurations may be used to supply current to recovery cells916. For example, as shown in FIG. 13B, circuitry 900′ similar tocircuitry 900 may be used in which the transistor 912, power supply 902,and Hall sensor circuitry 910 are removed, disabled, or otherwise notactive in the circuitry 900′. Such a circuit 900′ may be used in thecase of electromagnets that are configured in the pickup mode as opposedto the driving mode or convertible configuration. The pick-up coils ofthe electromagnet 904′ produce a changing emf field on both sides of theelectromagnet 904′ as the permanent magnet of the rotor 830 approachesthe collector coils and as it accelerates past. This generates a signalat the electromagnet 904′ which may be used in circuit 900′. Thus, thecircuit 900′ in this passive state does not require the sensor 886,power supply 902, or transistor 912. Moreover, a secondary recovery cell917 coupled to a diode 913 may be utilized such that charge is collectedboth when the permanent magnet is moved toward and away from theelectromagnet 903′, thus generating two voltage spikes of oppositepolarities and possibly differing magnitudes.

FIG. 14 depicts recovery circuitry 1000, which may augment, supplement,be used in place of circuitry 900. The circuitry 1000 may be coupled toelectromagnets 845, electromagnets 889, or both. The upperelectromagnets 845 may also be connected as described herein above forother versions and, as such, need not be repeated to understand theimplementations shown in FIGS. 12-16. Electromagnets 845 and/orelectromagnets 888/889 may additionally or alternatively be providedanywhere along the rotational path of rotor 830 as shown in FIG. 12 andare represented in FIG. 14 by inductor coils 1003, 1004, and 1005.

In FIG. 14, the primary cells 850 (originally shown in FIG. 12), whichprovide electrical energy through primary or supply controller 899(originally shown in FIG. 12), are collectively referred to as powersource 1002. The power source 1002 drives current “I” through thecircuit as demonstrated by the arrows associated with the “I”s. When thecircuit is in a first mode, the current passes to ground 1006, which maybe common to ground 1008, as illustrated by dotted line 1009. Thecurrent may pass across transistor 1012 due to a signal being sent fromthe sensor 886 to the base or control terminal of the transistor 1012 to“close” (or turn “on”) the transistors, i.e. allow conduction from theemitters to the collectors and thus act as a path to ground to helpdissipate excess current and pass it to ground 1006. The majority of thecurrent in the circuit is directed to the transistor 1012 since it ispositioned in a direct path to ground when conducting and currentdirects to the shortest path to ground.

FIG. 15 shows the same circuit as FIG. 14, but with the transistor 1012in an “open” or “off” position. This state may occur when the sensors886 detect that the rotor 830 is in a position such that one or more ofthe permanent magnets on the rotor are moving away from one or more ofthe electromagnets 845 or that the electromagnets 845 no longer need toprovide a torque to the rotor 830. In this mode, current is not drawnfrom the power source 1002. However, each electromagnet 1003, 1004, and1005 will have residual recovery current “I” stored therein. Thisremaining recovery current is directed from the electromagnets 1003,1004 and 1005 to power recovery cells 1016 and 1017. Recovery cell 1016is charged, via diode 1014, from the residual current in electromagnets1004 and 1005. Recovery cell 1017 is charged from the residual recoverycurrent in electromagnet 1003, which may at least in part be derivedfrom the residual current in electromagnets 1004 and 1005 gathered whenthe transistor 1012 was “on” or “closed.” The current from theelectromagnet 1003 flows into the positive terminal of the recovery cell1017. In an exemplary operation, the transistor 1012 may be “on” for 5ms and “off” for 10 ms, though other times and cycles may be selected tooptimize performance.

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative recovery circuit for circuitry 900.Power supply 850 provides a current to electromagnets 889. When thensensors 886 place the bipolar transistors 930 in an “on” state, currentis drawn from the power supply 850 through the electromagnets 889 toground 950. When the sensors 886 place the bipolar transistors 930 in an“off” state, the residual current within the circuit and within theelectromagnets 889 is drawn through diodes 960 to charge recovery cells880. The recovery cells 880 may then provide power back into circuitry900, to sensors 886 or for any other suitable purpose.

Interpretation Notes

The above description has set out various features, functions, methodsand other aspects of the inventions. This has been done with regard tothe currently preferred embodiments thereof. Time and furtherdevelopment may change the manner in which the various aspects areimplemented. Such aspects may further be added to by the language of theclaims which are incorporated by reference hereinto as originally filed.

The scope of protection accorded the inventions as defined by the claimsis not intended to be necessarily limited to the specific sizes, shapes,features or other aspects of the currently preferred embodiments shownand described. The claimed inventions may be implemented or embodied inother forms while still being within the concepts shown, described andclaimed herein. Also included are equivalents of the inventions whichcan be made without departing from the scope of concepts properlyprotected hereby.

1. An apparatus for providing power having: at least one beam mountedfor deflection; at least one rotor mounted on said at least one beam toapply a variable force thereto when rotated; at least one rotor magnetmounted on said at least one rotor; at least one electromagnetic pulsemotor controlled to act upon said at least one rotor magnet mounted onsaid at least one rotor to apply an intermittent torque thereto; atleast one controller for timing the at least one electromagnetic pulsemotor to apply said intermittent torque in a controlled mannercoordinated with the rotation of the at least one rotor to causeoscillatory deflections of the at least one beam; at least one secondarycontroller for controlling induced electromagnetic power due tooperation of the at least one rotor or due to the operation of at leastone electromagnet associated with the secondary controller; at least onemechanical output connected to the at least one beam for providing amechanical displacement therefrom when said beam is deflecting in anoscillatory manner.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1 furthercomprising at least one electromagnet configured to utilize the inducedelectromagnetic power to charge at least one electrical energy storageunit.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the at least oneelectrical energy storage unit is configured to supply power to drivethe at least one electromagnetic pulse motor controlled by the at leastone controller.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprisingat least one electromagnet configured to switch between a first mode anda second mode, wherein during the first mode the at least oneelectromagnet is configured to act upon said at least one rotor magnetmounted on said at least one rotor to apply an intermittent torquethereto and during the second mode the at least one electromagnet isconfigured to utilize the induced electromagnetic power to charge atleast one electrical energy storage unit.
 5. An apparatus according toclaim 1 further comprising at least one recovery circuit configured toswitch between a first mode and a second mode, wherein during the firstmode at least one electromagnet associated with the electromagneticpulse motor is configured to act upon said at least one rotor magnetmounted on said at least one rotor to apply an intermittent torquethereto and wherein during the second mode current from the at least oneelectromagnet is directed to at least one electrical energy storageunit.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein during the firstmode, electrical power is provided to the at least one electromagnetusing at least one power source, and wherein during the second mode theelectrical power is not provided from the power source to the at leastone electromagnet.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 6 furthercomprising a sensor to sense the location of the rotor and to controlswitching between the first mode and the second mode based on the sensedlocation of the rotor.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 6 wherein theat least one electrical energy storage unit is distinct from the atleast one power source and wherein during the first mode, power isprovided to the at least one electromagnet using only the at least onepower source, using only the at least one electrical energy storageunit, or using both the at least one power source and the at least oneelectrical energy storage unit.
 9. A system for providing power from avariable energy supply, comprising: at least one beam mounted fordeflection; at least one rotor mounted on said at least one beam toapply a variable force thereto when rotated; at least one rotor magnetmounted on said at least one rotor; at least one electromagnetic pulsemotor controlled to act upon said at least one rotor magnet mounted onsaid at least one rotor to apply an intermittent torque thereto; atleast one energy supply producing a variable output of electrical power;at least one electrical energy storage device for storing energy fromthe at least one energy supply; at least one controller for timing thesupply of electrical power to the at least one electromagnetic pulsemotor to apply said intermittent torque in a controlled mannercoordinated with the rotation of the at least one rotor to causeoscillatory deflections of the at least one beam; at least one secondarycontroller for controlling induced electromagnetic power due tooperation of the at least one rotor or due to the operation of at leastone electromagnet associated with the secondary controller; at least onesecondary energy storage device for storing the induced electromagneticpower; at least one mechanical output connected to the at least one beamfor providing a mechanical displacement therefrom when said beam isdeflecting in an oscillatory manner.
 10. A system according to claim 9wherein the at least one secondary energy storage device is configuredto supply power to drive the at least one electromagnetic pulse motorcontrolled by the at least one primary controller.
 12. A systemaccording to claim 9 wherein the at least one electromagnet iscontrolled by the primary controller to switch between a first mode anda second mode, wherein during the first mode the at least oneelectromagnet is configured to act upon said at least one rotor magnetmounted on said at least one rotor to apply an intermittent torquethereto and during the second mode the at least one electromagnet isconfigured to utilize the induced electromagnetic power to charge the atleast one secondary energy storage device.
 13. A system according toclaim 9 wherein the secondary controller is configured to switch betweena first mode and a second mode, wherein during the first mode the atleast one electromagnet associated with the electromagnetic pulse motoris configured to act upon said at least one rotor magnet mounted on saidat least one rotor to apply an intermittent torque thereto and whereinduring the second mode current from the at least one electromagnet isdirected to the at least one secondary energy storage device.
 14. Asystem according to claim 13 wherein the system is configured such thatduring the first mode, electrical power is provided to the at least oneelectromagnet using the at least one energy supply, and wherein duringthe second mode the electrical power is not provided from the at leastone energy supply to the at least one electromagnet.
 15. A systemaccording to claim 14 wherein the secondary controller further comprisesa sensor to sense the location of the rotor and to control switchingbetween the first mode and the second mode based on the sensed locationof the rotor.
 16. A system according to claim 14 wherein the at leastone secondary energy storage device is distinct from the at least oneenergy supply and wherein during the first mode, power is provided tothe at least one electromagnet using only the at least one energysupply, using only the at least one secondary energy storage device, orusing both the at least one energy supply and the at least one secondaryenergy storage device.
 17. A system comprising: a power source toprovide electrical power to the system; at least one electromagnetcoupled to the power source; and at least one electrical energy storageunit configured to receive electrical power from the electromagnet. 18.The system of claim 17 wherein the system is configured to switchbetween a first mode and a second mode, wherein during the first modethe at least one electromagnet is configured to act upon said at leastone mechanical motor component and during the second mode current fromthe electromagnet is directed to the at least one electrical energystorage unit.
 19. The system according to claim 18 wherein during thefirst mode, electrical power is provided to the at least oneelectromagnet using the at least one power source, and wherein duringthe second mode electrical power is not provided from the power sourceto the at least one electromagnet.
 20. A system according to claim 19wherein the at least one electrical energy storage unit is distinct fromthe at least one power source and wherein during the first mode, poweris provided to the electromagnet using only the at least one powersource, using only the electrical energy storage unit, or using both theat least one power source and the electrical energy storage unit.
 21. Asystem comprising: at least one electromagnet; at least one permanentmagnet configured to move past the electromagnet thereby inducing anelectrical current in the electromagnet; and at least one electricalenergy storage unit configured to receive the electrical current fromthe electromagnet.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the permanentmagnet is mounted on at least one rotor configured to apply a variablemechanical force thereto when rotated.